Josh Barnett welcomes UFC import, thinks Cormier will stop Mir in the second

http://mmajunkie.comA new door opened, at least in theory, to Strikeforce fighters this past week when ex-UFC champ Frank Mir was exported to fight Daniel Cormier in October.

While Cormier’s engagement is frequently billed as the last in the Strikeforce heavyweight division before being folded, the man he defeated to win the promotion’s heavyweight grand prix title also is owed a fight.

That man, Josh Barnett (31-6 MMA, 2-1 SF), is one of the more marketable fighters in the division despite a recent loss to Cormier. As quick with submissions as he is in interviews, he would be a welcome addition to the UFC.

But at this point, he is far from being physically ready to get in any cage. More than two months after breaking his hand in the first round against Cormier, he could get a timeline for when he’ll be ready to hit things, and by extension, plan for his final Strikeforce bout, when he visits a specialist on Friday.

Mentally, he’s already there.

“They need somebody who saw me lose the fight last time and is maybe a little more bold and a little more brave,” Barnett told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “Please. Please make that mistake. I like getting paid for your lack of judgment.”

In May, Barnett was unanimously outpointed by Cormier in a fight that left them battered and bloodied as it drew praise – Cormier for his craft and power, and Barnett for his toughness. Cormier also injured his hand, but elected for a quicker turnaround against Mir.

Having felt firsthand the power and talent of Cormier, Barnett is sure the former Olympian’s current run won’t be stopped.

“I think ‘DC’ takes him out within two rounds,” he said. “He’s such a tough, physical, well-conditioned and just smart fighter. I think Frank is coming off a loss, and I don’t think that his style matches up that well with ‘DC.’

“Frank has got that X-factor in his submission game. But I think ‘DC’ is one of the top four fighters in the world right now.”

At this point, Strikeforce parent Zuffa hasn’t indicated whether Mir’s crossover is a one-time deal. While it appears that other UFC fighters could follow, it’s just as possible that new talent will be signed to meet Barnett. Officially, Cormier is the only other heavyweight on its roster.

Barnett presumably has until March to fulfill his obligations. That’s when a one-year broadcast deal between Zuffa and Showtime expires, though that timeframe could be extended if the two companies extend the relationship.

It’s not in Barnett’s character to plead for anything in his career or life, so he’s fine with whoever is put in front of him.

“Line ‘em up,” he said. “It doesn’t really make a difference who shows up, they’ve all got to go.”

There are a few opponents he would like more than others, of course – Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, for example. While the Brazilian veteran is currently on the mend from a broken arm issued by Mir at UFC 140, Barnett would happily welcome him back.

“I would love that,” he said. “That is a fight I would absolutely love. I don’t see that happening, especially now that he’s got to get his plate removed. But please, bring it. I want to put a nail in the coffin of that whole trilogy.”

Then there’s Tim Sylvia, who came within a hair of fighting Cormier. Barnett considers him a friend, but would fight as a professional.

And there’s Junior Dos Santos, who’s a pipe dream in his current career state, but nonetheless a strong one.

“I could beat him the next fight out, I could beat him three fights out,” Barnett said. “I know that I have everything that’s necessary to beat Junior. I could fight him on the feet. I’m already better on the ground than he is. You’ve got to take a guy out of his comfort zone.”

It’s academic, however, until health is no longer keeping him from his job. Barnett expects he’ll cross over to the UFC once his time with Strikeforce is done, but nothing is certain, and his old beef with Zuffa brass can’t be discounted when it comes to how negotiations could play out.

But he could give them an awfully good reason to pick him up by making the best of his remaining fight.

“I think every MMA promotion in the world needs a guy like me,” Barnett said. “The UFC needs people that can not only fight, but also be able to capture the audience’s attention and expand that market.

Nobody can fill that void like I do.”

For more on the UFC and Strikeforce’s upcoming schedules, stay tuned to the Rumors section of the site.

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